#OTD20 | October 12, 1945
The Bravery of Desmond Doss: An Unarmed Hero in World War II
October 12, 1945: Conscientious objector Private Desmond Doss receives the Medal of Honor from President Truman.
Doss's commitment to his beliefs made him refuse to bear arms during the war. Instead, he served as a medical corpsman in the Pacific Theater.
Against all odds and without a weapon to defend himself, Doss saved the lives of 75 of his fellow soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa, exhibiting unmatched courage and resilience.
His actions epitomized the spirit of sacrifice, showing that one can be a hero without resorting to violence.
The Medal of Honor, presented to him by President Truman, stands testament to the incredible bravery displayed by an individual driven by faith and compassion.
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The Pacific Campaign of World War II is chronicled in our award-winning video survey "World War II – The World at War."
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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